we've all had that moment. you open the envelope (or that pdf attachment) see your new council tax bill, and think "that's a lot of money....but what am I actually paying for?"
it's easy to feel like local government is a "black box" where money goes in and bin collections come out. But if we peel back the curtain, the story of a council budget is actually a story about our community priorities.
THE GREAT BALANCING ACT.
most people assume their council tax mainly pays for visible things: fixing potholes, mowing the grass in the park, or keeping the streetlights on. while those are important they are just a small slice of the pie. councils have two types of spending: 1, statutory services: these are things the council is legally required to do, like social care of the frail & vulnerable. 2, discretionary services: this is the "choice" money. this covers things like local festivals, leisure centres, and improving the high streets. when the council "sets the budgets" every February, they aren't just crunching numbers, they are deciding how much of that "choice budget" is left over after the essentials, are covered.
YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE.
Here is the part most people miss: the budget isn't secret, because the council is made up of elected councillors, they have a responsibility to listen to you before they sign off on the spending. if you've ever wondered why a certain park got an upgrade while a community centre stayed closed, the answer is usually found during the budget consultation phase.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP: find the "open door".
curious about how your specific council is planning to spend your money this year? you don't need to be a political expert to have your say.
Local politics only feels like a "system" and a failing one at that, at the moment, until you realise you're the one supposed to be driving it.
at HAGS we understand this concept can be daunting, even time consuming when demands on your everyday commitments pile up but just to see for yourself how easy it can be, search for London borough of Hillingdon "budget consultation" and you will see a rundown of status, with some links of spending & public engagement. please feel free to partake and add your opinion & concerns.
Of course, there's many layers to the local council and local issues, at HAGS we pride ourselves on giving the public jargon free, straight talking results, covering many issues from social care to policing, we are the voice at the table when you can't be.
want to receive our monthly news letter, get involved, or just simply want to share a concern in a safe place, we have got you covered, join our emailing list below to have HAGS at the tip of your finger, and your opinions fed through to those awarded the privilege of representing you.
hillingdongroup10@yahoo.com
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